In this latest film about infamous American outlaw Jesse James, the film is set in 1881 and surrounds his private life and public admiration. Jesse (Brad Pitt) is 34 years old and planning his next great robbery, but has also thought about retiring. Robert Ford (Casey Affleck) is a 19 year-old who has admired Jesse for years and believes he has what it takes to ride by his idol's side. Soon after Jesse notices Robert, Robert's admiration slowly turns into resentment, and Jesse's greatest threat may come from a friend rather than a foe.